Nourishing Minds: Understanding student dining preferences and perceptions of healthy eating in campus cafés

Campus cafés significantly impact well-being and dietary behavior. This study examines food choices among university students, revealing that affordability, convenience, and proximity predominantly influence café selection. Although health awareness exists, nutritious options are often perceived as costlier and thus inaccessible within constrained student budgets. Limited appealing healthy choices contribute to poor dietary patterns, including low fruit and vegetable intake. Survey findings indicate minimal awareness of institutional nutrition initiatives, underscoring a communication gap. To address these issues, universities should improve affordability, diversify healthier menu offerings, and implement targeted nutrition campaigns to cultivate a food environment conducive to health and academic performance.